Judicial Appointments Stall as Election Commission Denies Consent for Supreme and High Court Judges
Summary
The Election Commission has denied consent to the Judicial Council for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, citing the election code of conduct, sparking legal objections and concerns over judicial independence in Nepal.
Key Points
- The Election Commission refused consent for appointing two Supreme Court and two High Court judges, citing the election code of conduct.
- Former Supreme Court Justice Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and legal experts criticized the Election Commission's lack of authority to halt judicial appointments.
- The Election Commission's letter referenced Section 5(d) of the Election Code, which regulates certain activities but does not mention appointments explicitly.
- Legal practitioners warn that this move by the Election Commission undermines judicial independence and questions the legal basis for seeking its consent.
